Make the Right Writing Connection

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

As book authors, the emails blast into our mailbox. Throughout my day I receive many of these email pitches. They write me about books that I wrote years ago and are often out of print. Other emails are for books where I was the co-author. With additional emails, they pitch me to promote a book which I wrote as a work-made-for-hire (no ongoing royalties). The authors of these emails claim to be editors or literary agents or bestselling authors or publicists or ??? How do you sort through it and figure out which ones are real and which ones are simply artificial intelligence bots?

It isn’t easy to know sometimes. Last week, a long-term friend called me about an email he had received from an editor and known publisher. The email appeared legit and talked about the editor’s interest in a book which he had published years ago and was now out of print. I encouraged him to research then use caution in his response. 

Recently I received an email asking for an interview from a Texas radio station regarding my Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. This book is my only self-published book and when it was created I worked hard to have every element in a traditional book through the endorsements, design, publisher logo and even included cartoons in every other chapter. Now the revised edition is a Morgan James Publishing book and available in bookstores everywhere. Follow this link to see a sample.

Because of my greater emotional attachment to this book, when I read the email, it looked legitimate. When I searched, I located the sender on LinkedIn. Her profile raised some questions for me because it had no photo. Normally if the person is real and using LinkedIn, the individual will include an actual photo. On a different website about the radio station, I located a photo of the sender and decided to answer. I exchanged several emails with this person and on the second or third one when we agreed on a time to speak. She explained about a $100 administrative fee (red flag). 

Through the years dozens of radio stations have interviewed me about my books. None of them have charged an administrative fee. It’s the same in the podcast area where I’ve been on over 80 podcasts with no charge. I emailed the Texas radio interview and cancelled our interview. I learned the hard way not to respond to these questionable pitches--and I encourage you not to do so either.

Some Basics about these emails

1. You do not pay for a podcast interview or radio broadcast or media introduction. Nor do you need to pay for an introduction to a community of readers.

2. Use your common sense and ask yourself some questions. Why is this person reaching out to you about this book? Do they include a real website link and even a phone number with their email? Consider their agenda and whether it is a common pitch.

3. Type the person’s name into a search engine and see what you learn before responding.

4. Type the person’s name into LinkedIn. I found the person in Texas without a photo. I requested to connect with this person and did not receive any response (another red flag). I have thousands of LinkedIn connections and have used this site for years. 

Some Typical Ways to Connect

1. Meet the person at a writers conference and exchange business cards. This personal connection will evaporate these fake email pitches. As an editor and former literary agent, I frequently email, call and sometimes text with authors I’ve met at an event. 

2. Ask someone else who knows this editor or agent or media person to introduce you. I’ve hired publicists and marketing experts to help me and introduce me to other professionals. These connections are developed through years of hard work and straightforward connections. 

Each of us need connections with others but it needs to be the right writing connection. What other steps am I missing in this article? What experiences have you had with these email pitches? I look forward to reading your comments.

Tweetable:

In a world with fake emails and bots, writers need to make the right connection for their writing. This prolific author and editor tells his stories and gives simple actions to make true connections.  (ClickToTweet)

New Podcasts:

In these articles, I’ve encouraged you to use PodMatch or some similar tool to book and record podcasts. Last week two more new podcast recordings launched:

Dominic and I spoke about 10 Publishing Myths Every Author Needs to Know on Hidden Secrets in Books Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/4h4X4Qp

Book coach and author Natasha Tynes (@NatashaTynes) and I spoke about “Nobody is coming to save your book” on the Read and Write with Natasha Podcast at: https://tinyurl.com/yba53yw7 

A key part of the writing life is a word I don’t really like but do: the discipline of consistently writing. A blog is an important part of this process for me. Many authors have an unrealistic idea about the details of publishing. 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS is a practical easy reading book to help you. Get my decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses.

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

During the last year, once a week I’ve been sending a short free newsletter. Just follow this link to subscribe. When you are added to the newsletter, you will receive a FREE 87-page Ebook which is packed with insights for every writer.

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,800 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

When You Hear Crickets

  

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

It happens to every writer. We pitch oaur books to editors and agents. We work for hours on creating a thorough and complete book proposal. We craft a query for a book publisher or a magazine editor. Select any of these active steps you are taking as a writer. 

After this action, what happens? No response or crickets. What do you do next? First, my encouragement for one action not to take: quit. Here’s a second one not to take: stall and work on your piece and not submit or do anything. 

From my years in publishing, I understand the challenges in the work but also I understand the opportunities. There are abundant opportunities for your work to be published and your words to enter the marketplace. In this article I want to present some ideas and encourage you to move forward.

While your desire to write and tell stories is a good one, publishing is a business and each of us (including me) need the help of others to find the right fit. Are you connected to other writers? Do you belong to a local writer’s group? If so, when does it meet and are you making the time to attend these sessions? Every writer needs these connections. Read this article for more reasons. 

Another important writer activity is to join a critique group. Whether you do it face to face (ideal) or online (also possible), these groups are a free method to get insight and help for your storytelling. Whether it is a writer's group or a writer’s critique group, it will take some effort on your part to find the right connection. Don’t be surprised if you have to try several groups before you make the right connection. This trial and error is part of the journey that each of us have to make as writers.

For example, I’ve been in some incredible critique groups which helped me month after month for years. I've also been in some critique groups that I attended a couple of times, then dropped out of them. The critical element is to find the right one for you and your writing journey. It is different for each of us.

If you are not getting responses to your writing, I encourage you to try a different type of writing. Read the first free chapter of Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams (follow this link).  Maybe you want to write a book which is a good goal in my view as a book editor. But your first step should be to write some magazine articles. The 2026 Christian Writers Market Guide includes over 150 magazines where your writing could be published. The information changes from year to year so make sure you are using the latest guide. Articles are shorter than a 50,000 to 80,000 word book. As a writer, when you craft these articles you are learning some important skills about headlines, beginning paragraphs, writing to a single takeaway point and many other details. Use these links to learn more about magazine writing. 

Another wise action when you are not getting any response is to attend a writer’s conference. There are large and small writers conferences with a variety of emphasis, cost and connections. The majority of us as writers are introverts but during these events,we have to push ourselves to interact with others, ask good questions and make new connections. At these events, I’ve made life-long friends who I can call or email when I'm stuck or need help. You can attend these events and take in the information yet not make new friends or connections. Bring plenty of business cards during these conferences and exchange with everyone you meet. 

Recently I called a local writer friend. We had not spoken in years but during our conversation, she recalled the details of a conversation from over 20 years ago. The event where we met no longer exists but the details from our conversation has stood the test of time for this writer. You can have the same sort of impact with your writing and your conversations. More than reading about writing or listening to teaching about writing or thinking about it, getting your writing into the world takes consistent action. Every writer needs to spend time sitting at their keyboard and writing. You can make it happen through your continued actions.

When you hear crickets for your writing, what actions do you take? I look forward to your comments.

Tweetable:

Sometimes when we submit our writing, the response is silence or crickets. This prolific author and editor encourages a series of actions in this article.  (ClickToTweet)

Editor’s note. For some reason, I could not get ClickToTweet to work. I’m including it below so you can easily cut and paste it on to others with my gratitude: 

Sometimes when we submit our writing, the response is silence or crickets. This prolific author and editor Terry Whalin (@terrywhalin) encourages a series of actions in this article: https://bit.ly/3QYoXze #writinglife #pubtip

New Podcasts:

In these articles, I’ve encouraged you to use PodMatch or some similar tool to book and record podcasts. Not every podcast host tells me about the launch of our recording. I found a couple more podcasts last week and here are those recordings: 

Cameron Cowan (@cameroncowan) and I spoke about the publishing industry and much more on the Cameron Journal Podcast at: https://bit.ly/4uFDdLH 

Christian Brim (@christian_brim) and I spoke about navigating the myths and realities of the publishing world on The Profitable Creative Podcast at: https://bit.ly/42VXW1R

As I’ve worked in the publishing world for years, I’ve spoken with many authors about their expectations and dreams for their books. I’ve found many of these authors have  unrealistic expectations about what will happen with their published book. Many aspects of the publishing process are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help and take actions no matter what the publisher does for your book. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses. 

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

During the last year, once a week I’ve been sending a short free newsletter. Just follow this link to subscribe. When you are added to the newsletter, you will receive a FREE 87-page Ebook which is packed with insights for every writer.

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,800 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

Willing If Asked

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

If you are reading this article and you are honest, I suspect you have some big dreams for your writing. Who do you want to reach or what type of readership do you want to grow? Are you trying to change your world or make a valuable contribution to it? In this article, I want to tell some stories and give you some action points for your writing life.

First, let’s talk about asking and your motivation. In the Epistle of James, he writes, “You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:2-3 (NIV). Notice you have to take action (ask) and have the right motivation when you ask.

As I’ve written in these articles,  for the last 13 years I’ve worked as an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. Authors, literary agents and others approach me about their book proposals and pitches. I want to tell you about someone in the “other” category who approached me. Within the publishing community, I’ve read that at any given day there are over a million proposals and manuscripts in circulation. You breakthrough these incredible numbers as you make the right connection and the right pitch at the right time. Your persistence and consistency will pay off for you if you don’t give up.

Many years ago, I wrote a couple of books for Pearson Education and worked with an editor. Through LinkedIN we maintained our connection. This editor moved away from her publisher and is a freelance editor/ ghostwriter/ publishing fixer. She ghostwrote a proposal and a manuscript for two health care CEOs. One author is in New York City and the other is in Australia. 

With an excellent book proposal, these authors landed a top literary agent who shopped the book to many different publishers--including all of the big five publishers. Their proposal was rejected over and over. Ultimately the agent dropped the project (which happens). The editor remembered our work from years ago and reached out to me at Morgan James. I read the proposal, put it in the consideration process, spoke with the authors and my colleagues, then got them a book contract which they signed. I’m giving you these details so you can see how the process works and the importance of maintaining and using your connections.

Last November, these authors were keynote speakers at a large health conference in Boston. Because they worked with Morgan James, they had real books to sell at their event--even though the book doesn’t release in the bookstores (brick and mortar plus online) until the end of this month. From my publishing experience, many publishers would not have produced this book early and ahead of their schedule to help these authors sell books. The choice you make as an author of your publisher is an important one. Are they flexible? Are they willing to go the extra mile to help you so everyone can sell books? These questions and others are important ones to ask and discover the answers--before you sign with them.

I want to tell you another aspect about this book that I have been working on--one that is rare and I’ve never done before as an editor. I wanted to help these authors get book reviews when the book launched. I’ve written many reviews but I do not write reviews for books that I’ve brought into Morgan James because of the conflict of interest. Instead I worked the book review need from a different angle. 

I ordered a series of print copies, then I reached out one by one to some of my reading friends. I told them about the book, sent them the catalog page and asked if they would be interested in reading the book and asked if they would write an honest review about the book. Also I asked for their mailing address to make sure I had the right address. 

As these friends agreed to read the book (and some of my friends said no thanks), I packed the book and mailed it to them. In the package, I sent the catalog page (remind them when the book is releasing), a note thanking them and reminding them of their commitment to write an honest review. If I knew they probably haven’t written many book reviews, I also printed a book review template with questions to help them. In case, you’ve not seen it, I wrote a promotion page for 10 Publishing Myths (follow this link). 

My little behind-the-scenes book review campaign is still in the works because this book doesn't officially launch for several more weeks. The actual results have not happened yet but I know for certain that asking and following through is going to make some difference in the promotion of this book. The book is Your Aging Advantage I encourage you to follow the link and download the ebook version.

To conclude this article, what types of dreams and plans do you have for your writing? Who in your connections can help you and are you willing to ask them? Will you follow through with your plans? I encourage you to dream big and reach out to others and ask for their help then see what happens.

Let me know in the comments, what plans you are making or who you will ask? I look forward to your comments.

Tweetable:

This prolific author and editor believes your connections are willing to help you if you ask. Read the stories and details here.  (ClickToTweet)

I’m working at my third publisher as an acquisition’s editor. I’ve spoken with numerous authors about their books and their expectations. I find many of them have unrealistic expectations about publishing. It doesn’t matter what type of book they are writing—fiction, nonfiction, a children’s book or a coffee table book. Each type of book contains its own challenges and complexity. Many aspects of the publishing process are outside of anything an author can control. I wrote  10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses. 

New Podcasts:

In these articles, I’ve encouraged you to use PodMatch or some similar tool to book and record podcasts. Last week one more podcast recording launched:

Cameron Cowan (@cameroncowan) and I spoke about the  publishing on The Cameron Journal Podcast. Listen or watch at: https://bit.ly/4rmtCXT

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

During the last year, once a week I’ve been sending a short free newsletter. Just follow this link to subscribe. When you are added to the newsletter, you will receive a FREE 87-page Ebook which is packed with insights for every writer.

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,800 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

A World of Possibilites

     

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Take a moment and think about your life as a writer. As you look around your world, what do you see in your mind? Is the world full of opportunities or is it limited and scarce?

In this article, I want to help you have a wide mindset about your writing life and the possibilities for you. These possibilities only exist if you have the right mindset and take continued and steady action. 

Whether you are brand new to the writing world or a bestselling author with many books (like me), no one is beating on your door asking you to go here or there or to do this or that. Every one of us have to craft our emails, phone calls, text, book proposals and query letters. We have to pitch the right person for the opportunity to happen.

As I’ve often written  in these articles, who you know is as important as what you know. Only you can write and tell your story.

Maybe you want to publish a book. How can you get a connection to the right person who can help you? Maybe you exchange business cards with them at a writers conference.

Today a writer that I met at a large conference last May reached out to me with  simple email. She reminded me of our meeting (wise) and then asked the best way to get started (another wise action). I responded with those answers.

Another author that I’ve known for years reached out to me about a friend with a possible book project. She asked the best way to get started. I encouraged her to send a brief introductory email to me and to her friend. This method is another way to open the door of opportunity.

LinkedIN has millions of people and business relationships. Reach out to someone you want to know on linkedIN and send them a connection invitation. Or look at their contact information and see if you find an email address. The craft an email with your pitch or whatever you need. 

Email is often the best communication tool and method to begin the process. In general, everyone reads their email. Sometimes email has it’s own challenges. I receive a lot of email and sometimes when I do not receive a response in a few days, I will send a second email. Or sometimes through the joy of technology, my personal email terry@terrywhalin.com doesn’t always reach me. It’s weird but it happens. 

If you met someone at a conference and got their business card, then reach out to them. It doesn’t matter that you met them months (or even years) ago. In the opening paragraph remind them of where you met and then briefly ask for what you need from them. 

There is a wise verse in the book of James.”You have not because you ask not.” (James 4:2) Learn to ask in a way which gets a response. 

This week I was talking with another author. He mentioned sending his manuscript out to key leaders and asking for their endorsement. I admired his initiative in asking for these endorsements. Yet I also understand mny of these busy professionals will not have the time to read the manuscript. The easiest response for them is “no” or silence (no response).

When you make the endorsement request, craft your request in a different way so you get a positive response. Offer to write a draft endorsement or even write a couple of  them (from the endorsers perspective) then send  those sentenes with your request. It’s strange to write a couple of glowing sentences about yourself. For the recipient, it is easier for them to revise your sentence and say yes than to write their own endorsement. Your creative request will be different and potentially pay off with a yes response instead of a no.

You can use these examples in other areas like to speak at an event or to be a guest on a podcast or to write for an online publication or a magazine.

Before you pitch, take a few minutes to look at their website, listen to some of their podcasts, read their guidelines for the publication. This groudwork will help you craft your pitch into something they need or will respond positively, 

We live in one of the greatest times in human history. In your pocket through your phone, you have the ability to reach people around the world. The possibilities are endless for you and your writing—but only if you take action and keep pitching.

It’s what I’m doing every day.  I knock on new doors. I pitch podcast hosts. I propose new writing opportunities. The opportunities are there but only if you seize them.

Several Statements of Truth

The work is never finished. There is always more writing and places of opportunity.

Continue to make new connections.

Continue to explore new publications and places to publish (online and in print). 

Continue to learn and explore (and fail) with your reach.

Your persistence and consistency and commitment to not quit will be the difference maker. 

I can not do anything about the choices of others. I can try and help but each person controls their own life. There is only one person where I have any control: me.

What am I missing here? Or what opportunities are you seizing or missing? Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

When you look at the writing world, do you see limitations or possibilities? This prolific author and editor sees unlimited opportunity. Get the details here.  (ClickToTweet)

A great deal of the publishing process is outside of our control as writers. When I speak with authors, I find many of these authors have unrealistic expectations. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses. 

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

During the last year, once a week I’ve been sending a short free newsletter. Just follow this link to subscribe. When you are added to the newsletter, you will receive a FREE 87-page Ebook which is packed with insights for every writer.

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,700 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

Find Grit Instead of Fear

   

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Grit is rarely discussed but important for every writer. If I’m honest, I face the same fears as the next writer and get rejected a great deal. The best way to get through my fears is to keep moving forward or use my grit. If I let the fear grip my thinking and stop me from continuing to try, then nothing happens.

Today I want to tell you some stories about grit and encourage you to keep trying. As I’ve often said in these entries, nothing happens by learning about it or thinking about it. The only way your writing will get published is to get it out of your head with your fingers on your keyboard and writing words. Getting the words out is the first step, but then you have work and rework those words until they make sense,  then actually send them to someone to possibly get it published. 

For example, I’ve been writing about using PodMatch to book and be a guest on podcasts. This week I booked three more podcasts which are on my schedule for the future. In the last six or seven months, I’ve booked or been on over 50 podcasts. PodMatch has over 90,000 podcasts in their system. Using your profile and keywords, they will match you to possible podcasts where you can guest. My issue is the matches were not happening for several weeks. I changed my keyboards and still the matches didn’t happen.  I filled out a support ticket and asked for help. Because of this assistance, PodMatch began to give me some matches. During the last few days, I have booked three more podcasts. Also I have some new matches to read about the podcast then pitch that host about why they should book me on their program.

Each time I get a match, I need to read the podcast host’s profile to see if I’m a good fit to be on their program. If so, then I need to craft a pitch to this podcast host. I make sure I personalize my pitch and show that I’ve read the details about their audience and who they want to have on the podcast. Even doing this preparation, some podcast hosts will decline and others simply do not respond. It takes grit and determination to continue. I want to be booked on more podcasts so I continue pitching. 

Some Action Steps

Where are you dreaming about going with your publishing? Are you looking for a literary agent? Are you looking for a publisher? If what you are trying is not working, what action steps can you take to change and go in a different direction that will give you the opportunity to find more success? Or can you reach out to someone and ask for their help (like I did with PodMatch)?

I find many authors who are looking for a traditional book deal. Yet if they are honest, they have few connections to sell books (platform) and it will be hard for a traditional publisher or literary agent to represent their work and sell it. Many of these authors feel like their only alternative is to self-publish. I’ve seen authors spend thousands of dollars to self-publish then they are only selling their book on their own website and Amazon. Instead, I encourage you to explore independent publishing with Morgan James Publishing. The exploration process costs nothing (except a little time) and it could open a new world of opportunity for you and your writing. 

Resolve today to move out of fear and inaction into using grit and determination to find your opportunity. I believe it is there but it doesn’t just float into your life. You have to be actively moving forward to find it.

Resources to Learn More About Grit

If you want to learn more about grit and how to find it, I recommend this article from Amy Bernstein. For over two years, she has been pitching to find the place for her next book. She continues using sheer grit--and you should too. 

Literary agent and long-time friend Dan Balow wrote recently about why are traditional publishers so picky? He called publishing a failure business. Read his full article to understand more of the reasons and find your own grit.

Finally I encourage you to read or listen to bestselling author Angela Duckworth’s book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perserverance. 

Use these stories and resources to find your own grit and determination to keep moving forward, seize opportunities and find the right path for your words. What am I missing from your view? Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

In the face of fear about his writing, this prolific writer and editor encourages you to choose grit and determination. Read the details in this article. (ClickToTweet)

New Podcasts:

In these articles, I’ve encouraged you to use PodMatch or some similar tool to book and record podcasts. Last week another podcast recording launched: 

Harry Vashisht and I spoke about my vision on the Vision Pros Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/4ohF3Qr  

Publishing is a complex business and much of the process is outside of anything an author can control—no matter how they publish. I wrote 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors realistic expectations  and practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses. 

Subscribe to Terry’s Newsletter:

During the last year, once a week I’ve been sending a short free newsletter. Just follow this link to subscribe. When you are added to the newsletter, you will receive a FREE 87-page Ebook which is packed with insights for every writer.

Get these articles on your email: 

Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,700 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

Connections Can Sell Books

 

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

In the pages of these articles about The Writing Life, I’ve encouraged you to keep building new connections--in person at live events but also online through places like LinkedIN. If we aren’t connected, let’s get connected. In this article I want to tell a couple of stories about how connections helped authors sell large quantities of their books.

Recently through my work at Morgan James Publishing, I heard about a children’s author, Amanda Kline who sold 10,000 copies of a picture book called Kenny’s Bright Red Scooter. This sales number is unusual for a picture book. A solid sales number would be 300 to 400 copies during the lifetime of a picture book. They are not easy to sell--unless the author gets involved and uses their connections to facilitate the sale of their book. I asked David Hancock, the founder of Morgan James how this happened.

This story highights a veteran and the different branches of the United States military. Amanda Kline had a connection to the Navy and worked that connection to get her book into every commisary throughout the world during December last year. The story is perfect for Christmas giving and took off. The success happened because of the author’s actions combined with working with the right publisher. Such sales do not just “happen” but the author has to take action with the idea then use their connections to make the sale. 

Years ago when I worked as an acquisitions editor at David C. Cook, I contracted a book from Henry Gariepy called When Life Gets Tough. Although my colleagues were skeptical about it, the Salvation Army purchased 10,000 copies of the hardcover. The only modification between the book sold in the bookstore and their book were the words on the back cover along with the Salvation Army symbol. These types of books are called White Label or a special sale. Publishers love these types of sales because the sales are final and even when the books are discounted the books are never returned (a big problem inside publishing). 

In each of these cases, the author was the connection or sparkplug to stimulate these quantity book sales. Most authors never think about these types of volume sales but if you do and build the possibility into your book proposal (pitch), you will be different and appeal to publishers. 

What sort of connections do you have to sell your book in volume? To learn more about this area of publishing, I recommend two books:  Beyond the Bookstore & How to Make Real Money Selling Books (both from expert Brian Jud) I encourage you to read these books then apply the suggestions to your books. Many authors never explore these options but they can become a critical way to boost the sales and income from your book--if you take action. Beyond the Bookstore is out of print but you can track down the CD version and get the used copy.

If you want to learn more of this type of information about actions you can take which will help you sell books, I encourage you to attend my continuing class at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in Asheville, North Carolina May 26-30th. 

Through these stories, I’ve shown how your connections can sell books. What actions are you going to take for your books to make these types of connections? Let me know in the comments.

New Podcasts:

In these articles, I’ve encouraged you to use PodMatch or some similar tool to book and record podcasts. Last week another podcast recording launched.

Nicolette Nierras (@nierras_nic) and I talked about publishing and the Dangers of Relying Too Much on AI on the You’re Worthless Podcast. Listen at: https://bit.ly/3FWl7kC    

I Need Your Help

Last week I had a new book launch called Pivot Driven Devotions:

Are you willing to write an honest review? If so, please email terry@terrywhalin.com with your mailing address. I’m limiting this offer to the first ten people in the US. Thank you in advance for your help. 

Tweetable:

Your connections can sell books. How do you use them and what actions do you take? Get ideas in this article from this prolific author and editor.  (ClickToTweet)

When I’ve worked with different publishers on a variety of  books, I’ve learned the hard way that much of the publishing process is outside of anything an author can control. As an editor, I’ve spoken with different authors about their books, I’ve found many unrealistic expectations. There are actions every author can take with their books. I wrote  10 PUBLISHING MYTHS to give authors practical help. You can get decades of insights in 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of bonuses. 

Let’s meet on April 26th at the Bluegrass Writers Coalition in Frankfort, Kentucky. I will be speaking at the general session and meeting with authors. Get registered and more details at: https://bit.ly/41QGw5X 

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Since 2004, I have blogged about The Writing Life over 1,700 entries and one of the top 27 content writers. With this simple form, each week you can get my new articles, encouragement and insights at: https://t.co/W6uU64u6aA

Opportunity Is Everywhere

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

When you look at our world, you can go two different directions. You can buy into the negativity and rejection or you can see abundance and opportunity. I’m intentionally going toward the opportunities. In fact, we are surrounded with incredible opportunities. Thousands of podcasts, print publications, people to write their books, important stories to tell, and the list goes on.

As I look at my own writing life, there are several keys in this process and here’s a few of them:

--We each have limited time and resources. Each of us have the same 24 hours and seven days of the week to accomplish what we will do. It is important to be conscious of this limited time and use it carefully.

--We have to make wise choices with our time. Each of us waste time (including me) doing things like watching mindless television or scrolling through social media. Awareness and choosing wisely is important.

--When opportunity comes we have to seize them. For example, I have new books from authors and publishers which continue to pour into my office. I write book reviews about some of them and some I do not. It’s just one of a multitude of choices and opportunity for each of us.

--We have to be organized and choose wisely. For example, each of us as writers have to maintain and keep our connections. This past week I saw my youngest son and his wife. They looked at a tech issue on my phone and were amazed at the number of addresses in my gmail account. I was not surprised because gathering this information is something I am working constantly to increase and expand--and I encourage you to gather as well.

 

--Whatever you want to get done, you have to build with careful planning. For example, I have a book that I want to write. I have a scratched outline but to get it moving. I have to organize my thoughts into a book proposal (something every author needs to do when they begin whatever type of book you are writing). Then I have to plan my strategy to write this book. I want to have a nearly finished manuscript before I pitch it. I know where I will publish it but also want to take a reasonable deadline for this book. Each of these details is important to build into your creative process. I’ve done this work over and over. I’m aware of my future steps to get it done and into the world.

I agree with Markus Dohle, former CEO at Penguin Random House who said on a webinar I attended, “We live in one of the greatest times in human history since Gutenberg invented the printing press.” Let this statement drive your activity and your seizing of various opportunities. We live in a remarkable time in history.

--For example Morgan James Publishing has recently started a new TV and film division and getting those rights to shop for the authors. Just consider the new opportunties in recent years--streaming and expanded people in film--which were not available as broadly only a few short years ago. 

In this process of exploring your opportunities, I encourage each of you to cover the basics:
--do what you promise to do.

--return your calls and emails.

--develop new relationships.

--keep learning new things and trying them.

--be consistent and keep moving forward no matter what happens.

Each of us must seize the day and use our time and opportunities wisely. I’m definitely a glass half full type of person rather than half empty--yet I try and balance my optimism with a realistic perspective. What am I missing? Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

According to this prolific writer and editor, opportunity is everywhere. In this article, get some of the key insights and details for every writer.  (ClickToTweet)

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A great deal of the publishing process is outside of our control as authors, yet there are specific actions every writer can take. Get my decades of insights in 10 Publishing Myths for only $10, free shipping and over $200 of

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Control What You Can

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

Much of our world is outside of our control--especially if you are going the traditional publishing route. Many authors have unrealistic expectations or myths about their publishing experience. For 10 Publishing Myths, I focused on ten of these myths and you can use this link--or the one at the end of this article to get the book for only $10 including the postage. Each chapter ends with practical steps every reader can take to control what they can in the publishing process or take their own action.

Through the years, I’ve built an active presence on social media with thousands of connections. In these articles, I’ve written about my actions where I spend limited time on the social media sites where I’m active (X or Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIN). I do not control these websites which are called “rented media” yet in general I post on these sites 14 to 15 times each day. It’s a pattern that I've been doing consistently for years. 

In this article, I want to point out two simple yet important actions I regularly take on two different social media platforms. 

First, let’s turn to Facebook. On my personal Facebook page, there is a limitation of 5,000 friends. I’m fairly close to that limit. Several times a week, people will add a comment to my post saying Facebook has suggested friendship and request a connection. Yet I don’t have room for such a connection. Here’s the actions I take each time:

1. I block this person so they will not be able to see my posts or get such a suggestion from Facebook in the future.

2. After the block, I delete their comment from my post.

This action can be done quickly but shows that you are monitoring your feed and account--or controlling what you can in this area.

Second, let’s talk about LinkedIN. I have over 19,000 connections on LinkedIN and have written about the importance of these relationships with editors and other publishing professionals. My public site says that I have over 500 connections but my number of connections is much larger.

Often I will get a request on LinkedIN to connect. In each case, I look at the profile of the person making the request. Do I know this person? Are they in a part of the world where I want to have a connection? For example, if they are in a foreign country, do I want a connection with this person? In many cases, I am not interested and will decline the request--and also tell LinkedIN I do not know this person. The notification of not knowing this person will be reported back to LinkedIN.

I also look at the occupation of the person making the request. Frequently I receive requests from real estate agents and people in the financial services industry. I do not need any connection from either industry so I decline the request. 

Some of these requests I will accept and make a connection. Then I will be watching to see what the person does with this connection. Frequently I get some standard email introduction asking for me to schedule a 15 minute phone call to “chat” with them. I'm not interested in such a chat. I rarely use LinkedIN email because with thousands of connections it is not an effective communication tool--for me. I will send a short response expressing these details. Then here’s my final step which I wanted to write about: I block this person and remove them from being a connection or being able to communicate with me through LinkedIN in the future. 

Such interaction is not worth the agony or mental anguish. Yes, build relationships on these social media sites. These relationships are important to every person in the publishing business. Each of us have the same amount of time. My encouragement is for you to control what you can and let the rest go. What steps are you taking in this area of controlling what you can? Let me know in the comments below.

Tweetable:

As a writer, much of the publishing world is outside of your control. In this article, prolific writer and editor gives some details about how to control two of the social media sites where he is active. (ClickToTweet)

Much of the publishing process is outside of the writer’s control. 10 Publishing Myths helps writers have a realistic perspective and take their own actions--no matter who publishes the book. Get 10 Publishing Myths for only $10 +FREE shipping + over $200 of free bonuses.

Communication Snafus

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin

The communciation snafu possibilities are endless. Last week through email I introduced two people. One of them responded but only sent his response to me instead of responding to both of us. Thankfully I noticed and forwarded it on to the person he was trying to reach. I called this individual about the missed email—and I called the person he was trying to reach—but her voicemail box was full. I was persistent to reach her and I texted her the information so it shows up on her phone. Do you see the lengths that I went to make sure the communication happened? I understand that I am an exception in my efforts to communicate. Many people would not be as persistent in their communication.  

 

In a different situation, I was emailing a long-time editor friend who I had not tried to reach in years. I went to his profile on LinkedIn and his email address had not changed and was still his publishing company email. When I used it, my email came back as undelivered. I knew I was not communicating. 

 

I reached out to another editor friend. This second editor knew our friend had left that publisher and gave me his current email. I reconnected with this editor and exchanged a couple of emails. Several days passed and I noticed his LinkedIN email remained unchanged with the wrong information. Normally when people change positions, they take their LinkedIN account with them since it is tied to the indikvidual and not their publishing house. I reached out to this friend again and encouraged him to revise his LinkedIN contact information. He thanked me for encouraging him to make this update. When you set up your social media profiles, is your email a generic one that will always work to reach you? If you are using a company email, I encourage you to change it. None of us can predict our future yet we can always plan for the long-term if possible. 

 

Also I encourage you to monitor the various comments on your social media posts. Last week I had a series of comments with one post where someone accused me of piggy-backing on another writer's brand (which was not true). I've learned such a pubic exchange is not good for anyone and that forum is not the place for such communication. Instead of engaging (which could have wasted hours of fruitless exchanges), I took control of the situation and deleted the communication chain. If you get into such a situation, it's the step I recommend you take.

 

As you communicate with others, be aware of these communication snafus. If I don't hear from someone after a number of days, I will send my email a second time or use a different communication method such as a phone call or text. There are many different reasons and ways to miscommunicate. Good communication is important and you have to constantly be aware of your reputation and protect it. In fact, Proverbs 22:1 says a good name is to be prized above riches. Have you experienced communication snafus? How do you avoicd them, let me know in the comments below. 

 

Tweetable:

The communication snafu possibilities are endless. This prolific editor and author gives a couple of recent examples and how to avoid them. Get the details here. (ClickToTweet)

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